It’s time to replace the Tory chaos with a solution
by Yesterday was a day of utter humiliation for the Prime Minister.
Theresa May’s decision to shelve the so-called meaningful vote on her Brexit deal simply confirms the weakness of her position.
Faced with a landslide defeat in the Commons, the scale of which would likely have been unprecedented for any government in modern times, she took the coward’s way out by postponing it.
📽️ @KirstySNP telling Theresa May some home truths about the utter incompetence of this Tory government and the contempt shown to Scotland throughout the whole #Brexit process. pic.twitter.com/Fak5RacGSM
— The SNP (@theSNP) December 10, 2018
It was as predictable as it was pathetic.
But kicking the can down the road doesn’t make the issue go away.
The UK is still staring at the prospect of a catastrophic Brexit at the end of March next year unless a different path is chosen.
As I have consistently said, it cannot and must not be a choice between a bad deal and no-deal.
The meaningful vote must now be rescheduled as soon as possible – leaving until the New Year, if that is the PM’s plan, would simply not be tenable.
And while she may travel to Brussels later this week to meet other EU leaders, they have already made clear they are in no mood to cave in to her demands.
They, rightly, will not roll over on the question of the Northern Ireland backstop simply to please the right-wing Brexiteers in the Tory party.
When I spoke to Theresa May yesterday, I made clear my deep frustration that the interests of a divided Tory party are being given priority over the interests of country.
Prime Minister confirms there will be no vote on the meaningful vote with no date scheduled for a delayed vote. This is a democratic outrage and shows her contempt for Parliament. We cannot have this. Parliament must have the opportunity to express its opinion. The PM has to go.
— Ian Blackford (@IanBlackfordMP) December 10, 2018
I have also made clear that the SNP will support a motion of no confidence in the UK Government if Labour, as the official opposition, lodges such a vote – and we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in a new vote.
Enough is enough. The Tories have tried to deliver Brexit and have failed – it is time to replace Tory chaos with a solution that will protect jobs, living standards and Scotland’s place in Europe.